2011 China (Shanghai) International Boat Show Sails at Capacity

Event draws over 400 exhibitors from over 20 countries with over 300 boats

Reports are that China will be the world’s biggest consumer of luxury goods within a decade, which may not be hype given Shanghai is home to the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show (CIBS), a sizable event that, held April 14-17 this year at the Shanghai Exhibition Center downtown, drew an independently-monitored 21,077 visitors from 70 nations.

The CIBS is setting sail for bigger seas fortunately as the current venue has reached capacity, with visitors this year having to weave among people to go between halls. The show next year will be staged at the former World Expo site across in Pudong where the massive infrastructure and transportation facilities will enhance the profile of this type of show, where the amenities help to add clout to the marketing of luxuries as boats, which can be conveniently demonstrated and displayed in the adjacent Huangpu River.

Relocating Next Year
The organizer will be proud to see the 2012 CIBS relocate from the modest underground car park to one of the finest venues anywhere.

Beneteau, the world’s biggest sailboat builder from France, launched their new Sense 50 at the CIBS, draping the yacht in a huge red cloth to only reveal it on the Friday. Debuting the yacht at the CIBS rather than another show in China reflects the importance which Beneteau regards the Shanghai event.

Like any boat show that naturally attracts onlookers, the CIBS also saw ample business being done, with many professionals, buyers making inquiries on the stands armed with pens, papers and brochures. “It was definitely worth coming for we have two very solid leads because of our presence,” said one sailing yacht dealer. “We had to be here for this is a productive visit,” said another.

Despite conscious efforts to look for candid comments and opinions that may be negative, generally the feedback was positive about the levels of interest. After selling two of their 5.9’s and receiving huge foreign interest in the new Sunday 23, David Winter of Red Dragon summed up the show in one word: “Terrific.”

Convincing Figures
Over 400 exhibitors from more than 20 countries displayed over 300 boats and another 100-plus prototypes, with turnover up threefold to an incredible RMB 1 billion or almost US$150 million.

On the first day Ferretti sold a 62-footer at RMB 29 million.

Cruisers sold the 36-footer on display at RMB 3 million.

Brunswick received two declarations-of-intent for RMB 3 million each.

Azimut sold a 68-footer and 105-footer for RMB 103 million plus four letters of intent.

Jeanneau sold a 60 footer at RMB15.5million.

Beneteau sold both their exhibits.

Princess sold a RMB 7 million yacht.

Fairline signed two letters-of-intent for RMB 51 million.

Sunseeker accepted three orders for RMB 100 million without having displayed boats.

Sea Stella took orders for fly-bridge-equipped 38-foooter, 46-footer and 63-footer for RMB 16.1 million.

Choisi signed four letters-of-intent for RMB 30 million.

Sunbird sold eight boats for RMB 40 million.

Ranscraft, a first-time exhibitor in Shanghai, sold six boats from RMB 700,000 to RMB 1 million and signed a staggering 18 letters-of-intent.

Ocean Alexander signed an amazing 12 letters-of-intent on an RMB 8 million yacht.

Double Happiness sold one boat for RMB 24 million and four at RMB 5 million each.

The above numbers speak for themselves: The CIBS Shanghai is a dominant boat show for enthusiasts, dealers and buyers.

Building Goodwill
The Charity regatta raised several thousand RMB for “Hands on Shanghai” to help migrant workers’ children. A combined effort by CIBS, Team Four Dragons, Shanghai Boat & Yacht Club, Shanghai Yacht Club and Shanghai Model Boat Sailing Club, the regatta not only raised funds but also allowed the beneficiaries to experience an event that would normally be fantasy.

The “Try a Sailboat” Open Days on Dianshan Lake and at the Real Sailing’s Site at JianShanWei attracted nearly 200 people as novice sailors, who may one day become customers at the CIBS; while the radio-controlled sailboats in the temporary pond provided amusing fun for mostly kids.

A gala dinner was held on the Friday evening of the show for the Asian Marine and Boating Awards sponsored by Agile Real Estate. Apparently a panel of judges received votes over four months to decide the winners of 16 awards in 14 categories.